By Caitlin Rogger (Policy Manager) • March 13, 2020
Greater Greater Washington has had to make a few important decisions in light of the threat of the COVID-19 coronavirus. We canceled our annual birthday party, and now our staff will be working remotely until this crisis passes.
As concerns about the coronavirus filter through the region many restaurant owners are upping their safety and cleaning precautions while prepping for a dip in sales and customers. (Jessica Sidman and Anna Spiegel / Washingtonian)
A variety of cleaning companies—from those that clean individual houses, to ones that clean offices—received a barrage of calls about the coronavirus. (Gaspard Le Dem / DCist)
With COVID-19 concerns looming, some people can heed public officials advice to follow social distancing guidelines, and seek shelter at home. But in this country’s inequitable housing system, many do not have that option. (Jenny Schuetz / Brookings)
Riders over the last two days took to social media to report near-empty train rides, and quiet commutes. Many companies have enacted telework protocols in light of coronavirus concerns. (Dana Hedgpeth / post)
Alexandria is looking at adjusting its property taxes. Proposals vary from lower rates to substantially higher, with funds raised intended to go to the city’s schools. (Jeff Clabaugh / WTOP)
2020 will be the first year that DC uses public financing in elections for some candidates. The option, passed after the 2018 election, allows certain candidate to match donations with public financing up to a certain point, helping them remain competitive agains more established candidates. (Andrew Giambrone / DCist)
The Maryland House of Delegates has passed a bill that would ban the single use of plastic grocery bags in the state. While there would be exemptions for certain products, the bill passed by a large margin and is headed to the Maryland State Senate. (John Domen / WTOP)